The Adoration of Jenna Fox

The Adoration of Jenna Fox
by Mary E. Pearson
YA apocalypse fiction. 265 pp.
Henry Holt. 2008.

flap copy:

Who is Jenna Fox?
Seventeen-year-old Jenna has been told that is her name. She has just awoken from a year-long coma, and she's still recovering from the terrible accident that caused it. Her parents show her home movies of her life, her memories, but she has no recollection. Is she really the same girl she sees on the screen?

Little by little, Jenna begins to remember. Along with the memories come questions—questions no one wants to answer for her. What really happened after the accident?

In this fascinating novel, acclaimed author Mary E. Pearson presents an unforgettable look at human life and a glimpse into a possible future that may be closer than we think.

I had generally overlooked most reviews of this book, partly because the cover just didn't quite catch me. But then I read Abby's review, which did more to intrigue me before it sold me by connecting it to The House of the Scorpion.

And it is good. Of course, I have this thing for dystopian/post-apocalyptic sci fi. It's not as good as Scorpion (or at least what my lingering feelings for Scorpion indicate), but it presents an extremely plausible future and sharp questions about bioethics and human environmental responsibility. I like the poetic use of language throughout the book, which even includes poetry to function as chapter breaks.

I'm not in love with the book because I do feel there were some holes in development. (I'm still trying to figure out if I somehow skimmed over whatever reference was made to help me understand the "three babies" bit.) One character seems to disappear without the conflict there actually having some kind of resolution. It has an epilogue. This is one instance where the epilogue actually served a purpose that I won't begrudge it, but I still didn't like it.

Overall, though, this is a good book and should be read.

Other reviews:
Abby (the) Librarian
The Hidden Side of a Leaf
Book Nut